Kollam tragedy: IAF, Navy Coast Guard Defence on rescue, relief ops

Written by: OneIndia Defence Bureau

Updated: Sunday, April 10, 2016, 14:24 [IST]

Subscribe to Oneindia News

Kollam, April 10: Exhibiting jointness in relief and rescue operations, the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) swung into action on Sunday morning following the firecracker tragedy that struck Puttingal temple in Paravur, Kollam.

Ministry of Defence Spokesperson said that the Indian Navy and the IAF have deployed six helicopters and one Dornier aircraft to help in rescue operations at the Kerala temple.Navy said an ALH of Navy has landed at a football field closer to the accident site.

The IAF is sending two BBJs with medical teams to Thiruvananthapuram from Delhi with the Southern Air Command controlling the activities.

"Two IAF An-32s are leaving from Arakonam with NDRF personnel to undertake rescue operations," an official said.

The IAF has deployed four choppers including ALHs and Mi17s, with the Indian Navy has deployed one Dornier and two ALHs with medical teams from the Southern Naval Command (SNC).

An SNC spokesperson said more aid is being sent to Kollam with stand-by teams already in place. The Navy has also summoned choppers with relief materials from the Naval Air Station Arakonam.

The Navy has also deputed INS Kabra, Kalpeni and INS Sukanya with medical stores to Kollam coast to give medical assistance to the injured.

"They will be deployed in consultation with local administrative authorities," a Navy spokesperson said.

ICG Spokesperson said that one ship with medial teams have already been dispatched to Kollam. "Another team is on the way to the site by road. One helicopter with medical configuration has been positioned at Thiruvananthapuram. An additional team is also on the way to donate blood," the spokespersons said.